I know there were a couple of TG'rs going caribou hunting this summer. Anybody heard anything? I'm going to try for caribou next year and could use some pointers!
With the current state of some of our Canadian herds I would be very cautious about even booking a hunt...things are changing fast, and not for the better, for a lot of the herds...I think that may be the reason people are not responding
DDave
What's going on with the heards?
Severe decline
Wow! I hope It's just temporary!
Google Caribou decline in Canada and dozens of articles blaming global warming will pop up. I know most on here are probably deniers because politically most here are right wing leaning, but this is another example of how the reality of this science is endangering animals and hunting around the planet. We have lost over 50% of ocean life since 1970, that should scare us all but it doesn't we still allow and actually applaud corporate America. This must change if we value our very lives or the lives of our Grandchildren and future generations let alone our hunting way of life.
Blaming seems to be in vogue--- as is conservative bashing.
No doubt in the near term, there has been change in seasons and climate...shifts really...where it was warmer it's colder and vice versa. Can't deny that fact.
The term "Global Warming" suggests something far different and its being promoted as the "catch all".
My question has been and remains, "Given the short term that man's on earth, and shorter term he's recorded weather patterns, are these SHIFTS in weather patterns, cyclical or something more permanent caused by man?"
That question seems to create a firestorm of criticism but not one OUNCE of information beyond there IS a SHIFT in weather patterns...colder, dryer in Southern US and AK/CN having super mild winter weather...
Not what the Sky is falling crowd promotes as "Climate Change..."
Alas, WC, I agree that man has surely fouled his own nest here on Mother Earth, and a serious wake up call is in order, because as the natural world goes, so does man---eventually, as all are interconnected. Just seems easier to blame something beyond our control, then to make the hard calls that are economic in nature and would create a rift of huge proportions!
Sorry...now help an old phart off his soapbox before he falls and breaks a hip!
How to protect the future of caribou? Oh global warming caused by human activity is bs in my oppinion! However pollution is a real threat as well as over utilization of resources ect.
Several years ago in the global warming scandal it was well documented that the invironmental movement as we know it has been highjacked by those seeking a one world government...it's the only way they can think of at the moment short of pandemics that will justify global legislation.
...that my friends is a scary thought. In the past when one government went bad there were places to flee to and good guys to fight back. Think about a day when that may not be the case :eek:
excellant post Doc Nock
Sorry guys, I wasn't trying to stir the pot. I just wanted to hear the stories about how the guys/gals caribou hunts went. I'm putting in for a draw hunt in Alaska. Maybe the herds are in better shape there. Still going to do it sooner rather than later because I ain't gettin no younger!
I asked the same question a couple of years ago....I'll see if I can find the thread...but you are getting the same answers I did...
Click Here for 5 pages of info.. (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=097303#000000)
That was from 2010....sad.... :(
I think the high prices and past hunters losing their deposits and hunts in Quebec has kept people from booking.
A former coworker of mine went Caribou hunting in 2012 either in AK or Canada, can't remember which. He saved up for a couple years to go. He killed a nice bull, but what he didn't know was that the locals get first crack at any animals killed. He got less than 10 lbs of meat from the animal. Yeah he got the cape and rack, but it was disappointing none the less. Enough people have that happen and I could see why there wouldn't be a lot of repeat customers.
Warchild, we've lost ocean life due to overharvest not climate change. I suspect you are on the young side. I remember in college hearing how caribou are cyclical- herds are either boom or bust so for me I need more evidence its something more than natural cycles at work for bou and just quitting eating fish will fix the other but try getting that to happen with nearly 8billion people on the planet and apparently no one from Asia taking treaties seriously?
If there is Global Warming and its man made??? Then it is a WORLD problem. I see little value in the U.S. spending billions while India, China, Brazil etc continue... Same ol, same ol U.S. Carries the load... I went once to Quebec and out of 23 guys, ZERO caribou were sighted and I followed up on guys replacing us, and those that replaced them...same 0. That was 15 yrs ago. My impression was the outfitter just wanted our $'s.... Been to Canada twice, once for bear in B.C., got a nice bear, never got the rug...just lies!!!
You dont need to draw a tag in ak to have a great hunt when it comes to boo! 26 herds many are doing well! (Central arctic, porky, 4mile......to name a few)
You also dont have to fork over any meat!!! I for one would like to know who that outfit is so i know who not to steer people too! And id consider reporting them to wildlife troopers for it! (If this is truely happening against peoples desires!)
I know a feller who went to AK with a "loud" weapon just a few weeks ago and saw a good number of bou, not crawling like ants but enough and wound up bringing one back home, unguided.
AkDan, my brother and I are putting in for the draw because we want to hunt a specific area that we have some good inside info on. If we don't draw then we will probably look at just going with an "over the counter tag" in another area. I've heard so many good and bad things that I just basically decided to go with what info I have, based on a reliable source!
I went to the North Slope of the Brooks in August. The weather was rough and the caribou were not there in big numbers. I saw 2 bulls and got to about 50 yards on both of them. Here's a pic of one of them. No arrows launched.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/DSCN3263_zps4mvwohqn.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/DSCN3263_zps4mvwohqn.jpg.html)
The country was beautiful and even though the weather made my hunt quite the adventure, I'd go back tomorrow if I could.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/P8200062_zpscdbrkvif.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/P8200062_zpscdbrkvif.jpg.html)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/DSCN3270_zpsuuypwgla.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/DSCN3270_zpsuuypwgla.jpg.html)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/DSCN3251_zpsaqagootw.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/DSCN3251_zpsaqagootw.jpg.html)
80 % of my two weeks in AK looked like this...
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/DSCN3219_zpsdp7qklx1.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/DSCN3219_zpsdp7qklx1.jpg.html)
or this...
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/DSCN3296_zpsfybcg4x9.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/DSCN3296_zpsfybcg4x9.jpg.html)
But stuff like this...
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/DSCN3223_zpsoenfs3nd.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/DSCN3223_zpsoenfs3nd.jpg.html)
and this...
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/DSCN3228_zpsqrpocw1t.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/DSCN3228_zpsqrpocw1t.jpg.html)
Made it a right sacred chapter in my life. I don't care if the bou are declining and the globe is warming....it was definitely worth it to me. Another beautiful thing about going alone is that nobody else's opinion really matters.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/DSCN3236_zpsbgzd3b8x.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/DSCN3236_zpsbgzd3b8x.jpg.html)
Ohhhh man! That's what I'm after right there!! Adventure!
Cg,
your source may be reliable.....but its not the way it is. Matter of fact I know of 0 outfits that require you to give up meat. Donate is one thing, but not requirements.
Caribou are migratory animals. Though some areas have resident populations most more a significant amount. the smaller herds are the more resident herds. Some have some monsters in them!
Anyways, the best advice I will give you is this. bring a sat phone and be prepared to move IF NEEDED! if your pilot refuses to do this...I would hunt somewhere else!
There is NO OTHER animal (including elk) that walks as fast as a caribou does. you wont catch them! If a herd pushes through your area you can go from many animals one day to a camping trip tomorrow.
There is no draw tag that will guarantee they will or wont move! Caribou are nomads to the extreme of the definition!
That's a great slope bull DB! awesome pics!
AkDan, I also have never heard of anyone having to give up their meat untill someone posted it earlier in this thread. That would defiantly be a red flag! My brothers aquaintance has taken several nice bulls in the area he is directing us and is also giving us recommendations for his pilot. Anyhow, we are in the beginning stages of getting this set up and have many hurdles to overcome and there are never any guarantees in hunting. So hopefully it will all come together. Who knows, we may even get the chance at some bou! Thx for all the info. Keep it coming!
sweet cg! good luck, if you come through the banks drop me a line, I may or may not be in town. Looks like we might be doing a fly out bou trip with my old man and brothers this year, should be fun!
That sounds awesome. My dad and brothers are camped out elk hunting right now in Wyoming and I would give anything to be there with them! :(
man they cant make up their minds...moose, bou, moose, bou. I swear what is it with everyone's infatuation with moose LOL! They are giant swamp donkeys for petes sake!